ATHENS, Ga. – The Lipscomb Lady Bisons volleyball team is a lot like Oliver in the orphanage at dinner time. They want more.

The Lady Bisons closed out the Bulldog Invitational with a 1-2 record. They did not go out easily. They came from behind to win set three 25-19. Texas Christian prevailed 3-1 with a 27-25 win in set one, a 25-23 decision in set two and a 25-19 victory in set four.

“We worked so hard to put ourselves in a position to win and we came away with a little bit of an empty feeling,” Lipscomb coach Brandon Rosenthal said. “I am proud of the way the girls worked. They gave everything they could.

“We made some critical errors late in the first two sets. We would love to be able to ride home and feel good about it. But this program is at a level where we have to make the crucial plays.”

Texas Christian is 2-1 to start the season after losing 3-0 this afternoon to Georgia at the Ramsey Student Center. The Lady Bisons began the day with a 3-0 win over Furman.

There are always lessons to be learned from the first competition of the season. Rosenthal and his players are prepared to make the necessary adjustments.

“The girls did a great job of executing the game plan.” Rosenthal said. “They really took the fight to TCU.

“We are going through a learning curve. It is kind of tough. I am proud of what we did, but at the same time we have to do a little bit more on crucial points.”

Outside hitter Lauren Ford made a match-high and season-high 19 kills. Molly Spitznagle and Jewell Dobson each had 15 kills. Spitznagle tied her career high in kills.

Spitznagle also posted a match-high .357 hitting percentage.

“Molly’s confidence grew throughout the match,” Rosenthal said. “As it grew we talked about the idea that we had to give her opportunities. She did a really nice job of capitalizing on that.”

Setter Caitlin Dotson was credited with 53 assists.

Outside hitter Sophie Kellerman made a team-high and career-high 14 digs, her second straight match in double figures in digs. She tied with Sutton Sunstrum of TCU for the match lead. Lipscomb libero Bri McCombs added 13 digs, also a season high.

“It is really encouraging to see the production we are getting from the whole team,” Rosenthal said. “But we are not in it for moral victories. There is a fine line we have to deal with it. We can walk away and feel good about the effort but at the same time we have to expect more as coaches and players.”

Freshman setter Kayla Ostrom made her collegiate debut in the match playing in parts of two sets. Rosenthal also praised the play off of the bench of middle blocker Claire Peterson and defensive specialist Megan Stout.

“We are not there yet. But the confidence they are starting to play with is contagious. I promise that the girls are ready to work for it. We will get there.”

The Lady Bisons return to the court Sept. 6 and 7 when they host the Lipscomb Invitational at Allen Arena. They will face Jacksonville State at 12:30 and Samford at 7:30 on Sept. 6. They are scheduled to play South Alabama at 2:30 Sept. 7.